WhatsApp is testing a new prompt on Android that appears right after a user follows a channel. The feature aims to make it easier for people to turn on notifications if they want them.
Until now, WhatsApp automatically muted every new channel the moment someone followed it. There was no explanation or suggestion. Many users never changed the setting later, so a large number of channels remained muted permanently.
How the New Prompt Works
After you follow a channel, the “Follow” button is replaced by a small alert in the same place. The alert clearly tells you that the channel is currently muted and suggests unmuting it if you want to receive notifications.
You can unmute the channel immediately from the prompt. If you prefer to keep it muted, you can simply ignore the message. The channel stays muted, and nothing changes.
WhatsApp has not changed the default behaviour. New channels still start muted. The prompt is only a gentle suggestion, not a requirement.
Why WhatsApp Mutes Channels by Default
Channels often post frequent updates. WhatsApp does not want users to feel overwhelmed by notifications right after following a new channel. The automatic mute protects users from notification fatigue.
Users who want alerts can turn them on at any time from the channel settings. However, most people who follow many channels never go back to change those settings. As a result, many channels stay silent for a large portion of their audience.
Why This Matters for Channel Admins
A muted channel receives fewer views. When followers do not get notifications, they are less likely to open the channel regularly. For admins who put effort into creating and sharing content, low engagement can be discouraging — even when interest exists.
The new prompt may encourage more new followers to unmute the channel. Over time, this could lead to better visibility and higher view counts for active channels.
Also read: WhatsApp Two-Step Verification Password May Replace PIN
Users Stay in Full Control
WhatsApp has made it clear that users remain in complete control of their notification preferences. No one is forced to receive alerts they did not ask for. The prompt only makes the option more visible at the moment of following.
Availability
The feature is currently rolling out with the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.30.5. Some beta testers are already seeing it, and a few users on the stable version have also reported it.
WhatsApp is releasing the update gradually. Not everyone will see the prompt immediately. The company has not yet shared a timeline for when the feature will reach all users.
This small change shows WhatsApp is trying to improve the channel experience for both followers and creators without taking away user control.
